Articles related to provincial and federal legislation that affects local governments.
Legislation
Changes to decriminalization policy: playgrounds now exempt
The BC government has announced amendments to its decriminalization policy. As of Monday, September 18, the possession of illicit drugs within 15 metres of any play structure in a playground, a spray or wading pool, or a skate park will be prohibited. The Province also advised they are planning to introduce provincial legislation to further regulate public drug use in Fall 2023.
July 31st deadline for feedback on legislation regulating drug use in public spaces
Local governments who wish to provide feedback to the Province on potential provincial legislation to regulate the use of drugs in public spaces must submit comments by July 31. Download then email the written feedback form to Ministry staff. If possible, please send a copy of your comments in the form to UBCM staff.
Webinars on new Emergency Management legislation
The provincial government is expected to table new emergency management legislation this fall. In anticipation of the pending legislation, the BC Association of Emergency Managers and BC Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness are hosting a series of webinars open to local government representatives.
Emergency management legislation delayed to fall 2023
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) revised its timeline for the introduction of new emergency management legislation from spring 2023 to fall 2023. In the meantime, the Ministry will use the remaining time to discuss the legislation with communities.
Analysis of provincial housing plan
On the day before UBCM’s Housing Summit, the Province announced its new strategy for housing, Homes for People, an ambitious plan with wide-ranging elements that will have significant implications for local governments across B.C. UBCM will continue to push the Province for meaningful engagement with local governments, not just in legislative development, but also in subsequent stages of implementation.
Legislative amendments would require Code of Conduct consideration
The Government of BC introduced legislative amendments to the Community Charter, Vancouver Charter and Local Government Act that would require local governments to consider adopting or updating a Code of Conduct within 6 months after their first regular council or regional district board meeting. This proposed new requirement responds to a resolution (SR3) that was endorsed by the UBCM membership at the 2021 convention.
Federal UNDRIP legislation
The Federal Government has introduced legislation to bring laws of Canada into alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Bill C-15, introduced on December 3, affirms UNDRIP as an international human rights instrument “with application in Canadian Law”, and specifies that the Government of Canada must, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the Declaration.